Maryland – sometimes called “America in Miniature” – bookends the Chesapeake Bay with mountains in the west and ocean in the east.  A unique state, Maryland owns the tenth most miles of coastline, while being the fifth most densely populated state, which means that litter can have heavy impacts on a variety of people and places.  Because Maryland believes in being good stewards of its resources, our litter control laws range from a $1,500 fine and possible 30 days in prison to a $30,000 fine with possible 5 years in prison. Part of MDE’s mission is to continue to educate Marylanders about the potential issues associated with litter and littering and offer ways to help mitigate its impacts.  

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People litter both deliberately and by accident and it can come from many different places, like vehicles, pedestrians, or construction sites, among other sources.  Below are key findings about sources of litter, from a variety of studies.

Motorists and Pedestrians -- Motorists (52.2%) and pedestrians (17.5%) cause nearly 70% of litter along roads and highways.  The improper securing of truck or cargo loads, including collection vehicles, represent 20.7% of roadway litter. Vehicle debris and improperly secured containers, dumpsters, trash cans or residential waste/recycling bins represent another 8.1% of litter.  

Construction and demolition (C&D) -- C&D materials are generated during the building, renovating, and demolition of structures.  A Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) approach identifies C&D materials to be used in new building projects thus minimizing materials that would be disposed, and possibly littered, and minimizing the use of new construction materials.

Loading Docks -- 85% of litter at loading docks is from loading and unloading goods.(3)  Shrink wrap, corrugated boxes, shipping documents, drink containers, fast food packaging and tobacco products and packaging are typical loading dock trash items.

Community

Economy

Litter can have damaging economic impacts on a community.  Just considering its heavy direct impacts, as private businesses, state and local governments, non-profits, and volunteer groups, to name a few, dedicate money, time, people, and other resources to pick-up litter. According to a 2009 Keep America Beautiful study, nationally over $11 billion is spent annually on litter cleanup.

Indirect costs of litter can also have heavy impacts to a community.  Litter can make an area less appealing to tourism or business development.  Litter in waterways can impact our waterways, and recreation or related businesses like fishing, crabbing, and boating, and associated jobs.  Unsightly litter may also cause disinterest in visiting a particular area or can hamper economic development of an area. Additionally, according to National Homebuilders’ Association, litter can even reduce property values of a community.

Studies done over the years show that littering is related to peoples’ attitudes.  For instance, if a place has excessive litter, people are more apt to litter themselves.  Also, a person might litter because it’s more convenient to just drop something instead of finding a proper trash receptacle.  Also, age is an important factor.  Young people are more likely to litter than an older person.  Another important factor are the ‘unwritten rules’ in your community,  Basically, if people in your community think it’s important to not litter, people won’t be as likely to litter – even if a proper receptacle isn’t handy.

Making a D​ifference